Pathum Nissanka’s magnificent hundred guide SL beat AUS by 6 wickets, take 2-1 lead in the series
Pathum Nisanka played the best innings of his ODI career. On the basis of his first century in ODIs, Sri Lanka won the third ODI against Australia by 6 wickets. In this way, the hosts have taken a 2-1 lead in the 5-match series. Playing first in the match, Australia scored a struggling score of 291 runs for 6 wickets.
Travis Head scored an unbeaten 70 and captain Aaron Finch scored 62 runs. In reply, Sri Lanka achieved the target in 48.3 overs for the loss of 4 wickets. Nisanka scored 137 and Kusal Mendis scored 87 runs. Both also made a century partnership for the second wicket. Earlier, the Kangaroo team had captured the T20 series 2-1.
Sri Lanka got off to a good start chasing the target. Pathum Nisanka and Niroshan Dickwella added 42 runs for the first wicket. Dickwella was bowled by off-spinner Glenn Maxwell. He scored 25 runs off 26 balls. Hit 5 fours. After this, Nisanka and Kusal Mendis made a big partnership of 170 runs for the second wicket to ensure the victory of the team. However, Mendis retired hurt after scoring 87 off 85 balls. He hit 8 fours.
Nisanka hit 13 boundaries
Pathum Nisanka, 24, scored 137 runs in 147 balls. He hit 11 fours and 2 sixes. He was dismissed by fast bowler Jhye Richardson. Earlier, Nisanka had scored 302 runs in 14 ODIs at an average of 22. Had scored 3 fifties. He played the biggest innings of 75 runs. Dhananjay de Silva also scored 25 runs. Charit Asalka remained unbeaten on 13 runs. Jhye Richardson took 2 wickets.
Earlier, Australia captain Aaron Finch won the toss and decided to bat. Legendary batsman David Warner failed in the third consecutive ODI. He could only score 9 runs. However, Captain Finch took over the team by scoring 62 runs off 85 balls. Alex Carey contributed 49 and Glenn Maxwell contributed 33 runs. Travid Head was not out till the end and scored an unbeaten 70 off 65 balls to take the score beyond 290 runs. The fourth match of the series will be played on June 21.